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3D printed microfluidic valve on PCB for flow control applications using liquid metal.

Ahmed Hamza1, Anagha Navale1, Qingchuan Song1

  • 1Laboratory of Process Technology, NeptunLab, Department of Microsystem Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.

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Summary

Researchers developed novel liquid metal (LM) microvalves using 3D printing directly on printed circuit boards (PCBs). These microvalves offer precise flow control for low-power health and energy applications.

Keywords:
3d printingElectrochemical actuationLiquid metalsMicrofluidic valvesPcb

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Microfluidics
  • Electrical Engineering

Background:

  • Microfluidic devices are crucial for health and energy applications.
  • Liquid metal (LM) microvalves offer advanced flow control in microsystems.
  • Integrating microfluidics with printed circuit boards (PCBs) demands efficient fabrication methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate the direct 3D printing of liquid metal (LM) microvalves onto PCB substrates.
  • To explore the use of digital light processing (DLP) for fabricating microfluidic elements on PCBs.
  • To achieve low-power, precise flow control using electrochemical actuation of LM.

Main Methods:

  • Direct 3D printing of LM microvalves on PCBs using digital light processing (DLP) with custom acrylic-based resins.
  • Surface functionalization of PCBs with acrylic-based resin and carbon ink coating on electrodes to prevent LM alloying.
  • Fabrication of valving seats in a 3D caterpillar geometry and channels/nozzles down to 90 µm.
  • Electrochemical actuation using square-wave voltage (2 Vpp) at frequencies from 5 to 35 Hz.

Main Results:

  • Successful direct 3D printing of LM microvalves on functionalized PCB substrates.
  • Demonstrated precise flow control via a bistable valving mechanism.
  • Achieved microfabrication of channels and nozzles with dimensions as small as 90 µm.
  • Validated low-power operation suitable for various microdevice applications.

Conclusions:

  • Direct 3D printing offers a high-speed fabrication route for microfluidic devices on PCBs.
  • LM microvalves fabricated using DLP exhibit promising flow control capabilities.
  • The developed method enables the integration of microfluidics and electronics for advanced applications.